JONESBORO -- Two dozen local students were among the nearly 2,000 candidates awarded diplomas by Arkansas State University Chancellor Tim Hudson, during spring commencement ceremonies May 17 in the Convocation Center.
Russell Harrington, Jr., president and CEO of Baptist Health, addressed the graduating class during two separate ceremonies. Harrington served in health care needs and with Baptist Health for 40 years before recently announcing his retirement.
"There's no way as a freshman did I ever think I would be up here addressing the graduating class," Harrington said.
"But, enrolling at Arkansas State was the right move for me. For me, that was the time of Dr. Carl Reng and Dean Robert Moore. In sports, it was the time of Bennie Ellender and Bill Bergey. And, it was a special time for students as Arkansas State gained university status."
Local students named to the 2014 spring graduation list for Arkansas State are:
Jessieville
Jeanne Wright, Master of Science in Education, Special Education Instructional Specialist 4-12
Hot Springs
Keia Allen, Associate of Science, A.S.; Lauren Bolding, Bachelor of Science, Interdisciplinary Studies, Cum Laude/Honors Program; Phillip Butterfield, Master of Business Administration; Christopher Fikes, Bachelor Science in Education, Physical Education; Gabrielle Gibson, Bachelor of Science, Interdisciplinary Studies, Cum Laude/Honors Program; Kiacia Hicks, Bachelor of Science, Interdisciplinary Studies; Dana Hotho, Master of Science in Education, Special Education Instructional Specialist P-4; Elizabeth Jentz, Associate of Science, A.S.; Jodie Keeling, Master of Science in Education, Education Theory and Practice; Juana Lynch, Master of Science in Education, Education Theory and Practice; David Mills, Bachelor of Science, Interdisciplinary Studies; Kenneth Rains, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering; Meghan Robinson, Master of Science, Sport Administration; Eric Romero, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Cum Laude; John Rountree, Associate of Science, A.S.; Candice Runion, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy; Bradley Tow, Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Anesthesia
Hot Springs Village
Katie Curry, Master of Science in Education, Curriculum and Instruction
Malvern
Allyson Freeman, Bachelor of Arts, Chemistry; Devan Harper, Bachelor of Science, Radio Television, Cum Laude; Shelley Korsmeier, Master of Science in Education, Special Education Instructional Specialist 4-12; Steven Winiecki, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic Design.
School on 07/27/2014